It says right in the Julie Golob article that lots of people asked for it. Must be true.

"When we set out to design the M&P380 Shield EZ pistol, our goal was to deliver an all-around, easy to use personal protection pistol  from loading and carrying, to shooting and cleaning. Throughout the development process, we focused on key areas that customers told us were important  the ease of racking the slide and loading the magazine. With that in mind, we reduced the amount of force required to rack the slide, and developed a magazine that is both easy and efficient to load. We have incorporated both of these new features into the M&P380 Shield EZ pistol, allowing consumers of all statures and strengths the opportunity to own, comfortably practice with, and effectively utilize this exciting new pistol. The new M&P380 Shield EZ pistol provides an easy-to-use personal protection option for both first-time shooters and experienced handgunners alike.  Jan Mladek, General Manager of M&P and S&W Brands

The GRIP SAFETY is hideous and only belongs on 1911's.
None of your other M&P range of pistols has the grip safety which is nothing but a nuisance and for that reason I will never get one despite how much I like the rest of the gun.

Having openly discussed this pistol in a local firearm forum recently not a single person of 35 individual posts had one single good word to say about the grip safety on this gun.

The general feeling is that it does not suit the target audience like ladies and the purpose of it's intended use namely EDC.

Stupid all the way to the bank.
We spend way too much time looking at things from our own "narrow" viewpoint. Narrow, in the sense that we don't look at something as useful to others, only if it suits us and us alone.
These days, everything gets market-tested and polled and focus-grouped to the nth degree before it's brought to the general public. Big companies become big companies because they are relatively certain their product has a chance of selling well. Are there exceptions? Of course. Nothing is perfect. But they're entitled to try. And you never know, the folks it IS geared toward might love it.
Clearly, this gun isn't "perfect" in some folks' eyes. That's OK. I just don't see how getting all PO'ed and almost "insulting" about it is so important. Sheesh.

Nothing stupid about researching what the majority out there want rather than what you perceive as what they might like because you happened to like it.

As so many people rightfully point out on this forum a "Grip Safety" does not belong on a gun intended for "EZ" of use particularly when it is a small calibre and is a evey day carry gun which should be simple to use.

Why complicate matters when you are trying to compete with the likes of the fantastic new SIG P365?(I don't like SIG but it is undoubtedly the best gun since the M&P Shield was made).
Don't take my word for\it but let us talk again in 1year from now

Given the timing of this launch Smith &Wesson could have seriously capitalised on the launch of this gun had it been a worthy contender and opponent to SIG's P365.

I am now officially and truly ashamed to utter the words "M&P SHIELD" knowing that this horrible 380 hybrid shares the same Shield family title as my iconic M&P Shield 9mm.

Some people like the 380. Goes way back to 1908 when the Colt went from 1903 32 acp to 380 in 1908. Beware of the Colt 1903-08 they fire if dropped,even if safety is on. The hammer jumps the sear on impact. Allso the German army picked the 32 over the 380 in both wars and post-war l.e.It penetrates better to reach vitals , the 380. Fmj is the best for defence and well as 32. Hollow points are a waste in less than 9mm. JOHN BROWNING FIXED THE PROBLEM OF THE 1903,08 POCKET AUTO WITH THE 1910 BROWNING POCKET AUTO,WHICH LOCKED THE SEAR IN PLACE SO IT WOULD NOT GO OFF IF DROPPED. He went to Colt with the new improved 1910,but there C.E.O. said no we not not want to pay you . So he went to F.N. to make them.

Nothing stupid about researching what the majority out there want rather than what you perceive as what they might like because you happened to like it.

As so many people rightfully point out on this forum a "Grip Safety" does not belong on a gun intended for "EZ" of use particularly when it is a small calibre and is a evey day carry gun which should be simple to use.

Why complicate matters when you are trying to compete with the likes of the fantastic new SIG P365?(I don't like SIG but it is undoubtedly the best gun since the M&P Shield was made).
Don't take my word for\it but let us talk again in 1year from now

Given the timing of this launch Smith &Wesson could have seriously capitalised on the launch of this gun had it been a worthy contender and opponent to SIG's P365.

I am now officially and truly ashamed to utter the words "M&P SHIELD" knowing that this horrible 380 hybrid shares the same Shield family title as my iconic M&P Shield 9mm.

Just curious. You said that a grip safety shouldn't be on a firearm that is EZ to use. Just how does it make it more difficult? I have one on my XD9 SC and it couldn't be easier.

Alright can we place bets on how long this Pistola will be on the market.??

Will sales be enough to keep it alive?

Doesn't matter to me one way or another. I am saving my money for a Mossy 464 SPX 22lr!

I'm sure most serious shooters are going to see this thing as an abomination (which I do). Is there enough of a market otherwise for it - there will be some sales, will it be enough to keep it going for very long, I tend to think not however we aren't the target group so I don't know how long it will hold on for.

I'm sure most serious shooters are going to see this thing as an abomination (which I do). Is there enough of a market otherwise for it - there will be some sales, will it be enough to keep it going for very long, I tend to think not however we aren't the target group so I don't know how long it will hold on for.

For every gun enthusiast, how many people are there who just buy a gun to have for self defense?

We are the ones shouting out our praise or condemnation of guns on gun boards, so we seem (to ourselves) to be the dominant train of thought. But gun enthusiasts are not the target market for the new S&W. Those casual gun owners will nearly never be heard on the internet, but they will still buy guns.

If you don't believe there are huge numbers of non-enthusiast gun buyers, ask yourself how some companies continue to thrive by selling guns that enthusiasts uniformly ridicule.

For every gun enthusiast, how many people are there who just buy a gun to have for self defense?

We are the ones shouting out our praise or condemnation of guns on gun boards, so we seem (to ourselves) to be the dominant train of thought. But gun enthusiasts are not the target market for the new S&W. Those casual gun owners will nearly never be heard on the internet, but they will still buy guns.

If you don't believe there are huge numbers of non-enthusiast gun buyers, ask yourself how some companies continue to thrive by selling guns that enthusiasts uniformly ridicule.

Okay, educate me. I like guns, but I don't know if I'd be considered a "gun guy." I have a few rifles and about 10 handguns (4 carry guns and the rest range toys). Why the hate for the grip safety? My 1911 has it and it seems so innocuous. I don't even think about it. For a hammer-fired gun that is fully cocked (I believe) with no firing pin block it doesn't seem bad. Is it a real mechanical issue or is it macho "Safeties are for sissies" posturing?

Not going to bad mouth this new S&W, but with plenty of small 9mm firearms to chose from ( like my CM9 Kahr for one) why buy a 380 that is a more snappy firing pistol and uses ammo that is around $5 a box more?

Okay, educate me. I like guns, but I don't know if I'd be considered a "gun guy." I have a few rifles and about 10 handguns (4 carry guns and the rest range toys). Why the hate for the grip safety? My 1911 has it and it seems so innocuous. I don't even think about it. For a hammer-fired gun that is fully cocked (I believe) with no firing pin block it doesn't seem bad. Is it a real mechanical issue or is it macho "Safeties are for sissies" posturing?

I never had a grip safety. Some people do hate safeties, but I'm not one of them. All my guns; rifles, shotties and pistols have some type of safety. Part of this probably goes back to my hunting days, and the fact that I've seen guys trip and stumble in the brush and BOOM their gun goes off. Others see it differently but the good thing is M&P makes options for the buyer.

Not going to bad mouth this new S&W, but with plenty of small 9mm firearms to chose from ( like my CM9 Kahr for one) why buy a 380 that is a more snappy firing pistol and uses ammo that is around $5 a box more?

It has a special EZ rack slide and nifty EZ to load mags with a clever tab on the side which makes it ideal for the elderly or females or those who struggle with arthritis, etc.

Not going to bad mouth this new S&W, but with plenty of small 9mm firearms to chose from ( like my CM9 Kahr for one) why buy a 380 that is a more snappy firing pistol and uses ammo that is around $5 a box more?

Nothing stupid about researching what the majority out there want rather than what you perceive as what they might like because you happened to like it.

As so many people rightfully point out on this forum a "Grip Safety" does not belong on a gun intended for "EZ" of use particularly when it is a small calibre and is a evey day carry gun which should be simple to use.

Why complicate matters when you are trying to compete with the likes of the fantastic new SIG P365?(I don't like SIG but it is undoubtedly the best gun since the M&P Shield was made).
Don't take my word for\it but let us talk again in 1year from now

Given the timing of this launch Smith &Wesson could have seriously capitalised on the launch of this gun had it been a worthy contender and opponent to SIG's P365.

I am now officially and truly ashamed to utter the words "M&P SHIELD" knowing that this horrible 380 hybrid shares the same Shield family title as my iconic M&P Shield 9mm.

Well.
Thank you for not understanding my post. It's a shame people can't express an opinion without needing to express some sort of "superiority."
Anyway, let's see:
Seems as though some folks, such as yourself, have decided for some reason that you are "right" about things like grip safeties, etc. Since you apparently don't manufacture firearms, I hope you'll understand that I'll go with S&W's opinion.
Sorry, I don't think the Sig 365 is impressive. I'll keep my first-generation Shield 9 with the stock parts, thank you.
I don't think S&W is worried about a "worthy contender" to the new Sig. Really, I don't.
"Officially and truly ashamed"? Wow. I guess you're entitled to your opinion, but I have to wonder how S&W might feel about you having one of their "iconic" firearms.... Just a thought, of course.
Incidentally, I'm not "defending" this new gun because I like it or want one. I have a .380 or two already and this gun would not suit my needs any better. I simply appreciate that there's a market for it. Again, we'll see how it's received by the folks it's meant for.

Well.
Thank you for not understanding my post. It's a shame people can't express an opinion without needing to express some sort of "superiority."
Anyway, let's see:
Seems as though some folks, such as yourself, have decided for some reason that you are "right" about things like grip safeties, etc. Since you apparently don't manufacture firearms, I hope you'll understand that I'll go with S&W's opinion.
Sorry, I don't think the Sig 365 is impressive. I'll keep my first-generation Shield 9 with the stock parts, thank you.
I don't think S&W is worried about a "worthy contender" to the new Sig. Really, I don't.
"Officially and truly ashamed"? Wow. I guess you're entitled to your opinion, but I have to wonder how S&W might feel about you having one of their "iconic" firearms.... Just a thought, of course.
Incidentally, I'm not "defending" this new gun because I like it or want one. I have a .380 or two already and this gun would not suit my needs any better. I simply appreciate that there's a market for it. Again, we'll see how it's received by the folks it's meant for.

The wife and are newcomers to the world of firearms. My wife only has her carry permit a few months, I have mine about a year.

We're both in our late 50s and disabled.
My wife has little hand strength in her hands, and severe spinal and neck issues. Most times, she is in a wheel chair. Point being, it took months just to get her to try the S&W M&P .22 Compact. She felt comfortable enough to want to use it as a carry gun, but in my mind I wished there something a little stronger, that she could handle.

Then, the EZ was announced. It was like S&W read my mind. She can train in the .22, and carry the EZ.

I've read a lot of the comments and see both sides of the arguement.

All I can say is most of you 2A guys have LOT'S of choices out there, almost countless. We handicapped, don't. Personally, this thing is a godsend (if it does what it says) that is. We can't shoot those beautiful large caliber pistols.

I've recently brought 2 friends to get their permits who are disabled as well. When your disabled, especially those in cronic pain, all you want is not to hurt. The LAST thing we want is to shoot something that causes more pain.

IMHO, there are a lot of disabled and elderly who will find the EZ an answer to a prayer.

The thumb safety being an option is great. The grip safety is only a complaint in my book only in the fact it eliminated and adjustable or customized backstral capability.

A rubber sleeve around the grip would render the grip safety moot with little or no added bulk.

So it seems all this consternation and hate over this gun is pointless.

My mom in her 70s, wife and daughters all have chosen a revolver because they could not operate and rack reliably any carry sized guns. (At least when they were looking/buying) And they hated the super small 380s like the LCP.

Had the EZ been out back then, it probably would have been the first thing they would have been drawn to at least as a finalist for buying.

My mother has a very old S&W 32 s&W long that was her fathers carry gun. My wife chose a S&W 642 and my daughter the LCR.

My petite sister in law chose a glock 26 as she shot her soms glock 19 but didnt want the bulk of the 19. BTW she cannot really rack or load the G26. But compared to the limited rounds of her previous LCR, she now figures she wont need to reload.

I have a female co-worker who gave up her Sp101 to get a Browning 380 in 1911 style. 3/4 size 1911 in 380 acp as it was so soft shooting.

Bottom line. I think women and anyone who wants a soft shooting easy racking/loading gun will be thrilled and waiting in line to buy one.

Here's a datapoint for the discussion, from the just-released ATF 2016 Annual Report on firearm production in the US, that shows how popular the .380 Auto caliber is becoming:

Pistols produced in the US (by type)

.22: 447,315

.25: 13,141

.32: 10,175

.380: 1,130,459

9mm: 2,281,450

Over 9mm up to .50: 837,535

Total: 4,720,075

S&W produces many models in every major caliber, but before the 380 Shield EZ, really had only one .380 Auto model - the Bodyguard. This is an important part of the market, and S&W now has another pistol to offer the public.

Here's a datapoint for the discussion, from the just-released ATF 2016 Annual Report on firearm production in the US, that shows how popular the .380 Auto caliber is becoming:

Pistols produced in the US (by type)

.22: 447,315

.25: 13,141

.32: 10,175

.380: 1,130,459

9mm: 2,281,450

Over 9mm up to .50: 837,535

Total: 4,720,075

S&W produces many models in every major caliber, but before the 380 Shield EZ, really had only one .380 Auto model - the Bodyguard. This is an important part of the market, and S&W now has another pistol to offer the public.

That's good info. The .380 continues to be a viable self defense round for almost any non-military or non-LEO citizen. Anyone that doesn't believe it is needs to have their manhood measured and simply accept the pathetic results.

I like it because it's new and my wife & I have arthritis & tendonitis and we're old. Somedays it's not worth the effort to take out any semi-autos to shoot, so I take my revolvers. I'm just wondering.....does anyone who complains about the grip safety shoot 1911's? I have four 1911's and everyone one of them has a grip safety.

I have rarely seen so many "nabobs of negativity" since the days of Spiro Agnew (not really, just kidding).

Seriously though, one of the bigger local gun shop owners was telling me that a surprisingly large part of his business is first time gun buyers who are not "gun people." He sells a huge number of .22 semi autos to these people, because they actually will shoot them, as opposed to the "real calibers."

He was lamenting that the local sheriff changed the requirements for our unrestricted CCW course to require center fire calibers (I don't think he minded selling them additional guns). Now he can sell them this pistol and kill two birds with one stone.

There are a lot of semi informed people out there, who are afraid to carry any pistol that doesn't have multiple safeties, absolutely refuse to carry any striker fired pistol - "it might go off!"

When you factor in the people that actually NEED the features of this pistol, you have to admit S&W hit a home run with this one

Right now, the only thing I don't care for is the inability to use a second strike feature like I had on my BG380. If a round does not fire, I would have to cycle the slide manually before I could fire again? (SA).

It was like S&W read my mind. She can train in the .22, and carry the EZ......
I've read a lot of the comments and see both sides of the arguement......
IMHO, there are a lot of disabled and elderly who will find the EZ an answer to a prayer......
I can't wait to order one, if not two.
Sorry for the rant!

Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
The features on this new gun are geared toward making it easy to use and easy to go from safe to firing condition. Folks that have difficulty with grasping a slide will hopefully find that the "wings" at the rear make it easier to pull back. The button on the magazine to retract the follower will help loading. And the grip safety will allow a person whose thumbs aren't agile enough to flip off a safety lever to still have a safety feature, if for nothing else than their own peace of mind.
Good luck, I hope this gun meets your needs and expectations and I hope you'll come back and give a range report.

Thank you. I appreciate your comments.
The features on this new gun are geared toward making it easy to use and easy to go from safe to firing condition. Folks that have difficulty with grasping a slide will hopefully find that the "wings" at the rear make it easier to pull back. The button on the magazine to retract the follower will help loading. And the grip safety will allow a person whose thumbs aren't agile enough to flip off a safety lever to still have a safety feature, if for nothing else than their own peace of mind.
Good luck, I hope this gun meets your needs and expectations and I hope you'll come back and give a range report.

I truly appreciate the response! ESPECIALLY from those like yourself, who have extensive experience and so much more knowledge than I. Thank you!

If the grip is similiar to the M&P .22 Compact, it's a done deal. Hopefully these will be shipping soon!!!

It looks huge! I was hoping it would be similar in size to the LCP 2. It would have been awesome if they would have made a mini Shield in 380.

Ummm, they sort of already do. It is called the Body guard 380!

Again the market was not for super deep cover comceal. And most people shoot the super small guns so poorly they do not gain confidence and do not carry them, or trade them in. Also the super small guns are snappy and again especially newbies to shooting are put off and not comfortable with them.

If you want an LCP2 then go buy one!

My brother will be happy to sell you his as it has been back to Ruger twice and still is not reliable. Although this seems to be that exception not the rule. But he cannot trust it to carry.

My experience with gun classes are the highest malfunction rates have been with 1911 derivatives and small 380 subcompacts.

Just because a gun is chambered in .380 doesn't mean it is "supposed" to be the size of a Post-It note. Some people don't like the recoil of the small .380s. Size remedies that. Size also make it easier to handle and manipulate.

Just because a gun is chambered in .380 doesn't mean it is "supposed" to be the size of a Post-It note. Some people don't like the recoil of the small .380s. Size remedies that. Size also make it easier to handle and manipulate.

The Glock 25 is a full size Glock pistol in .380 ACP available only in Europe due to that goofy European caliber prohibition. I wish I could buy one here . . .

I really cant see why anyone would get one of these in a .380 that is bigger physically than the 9mm. My 59yr old wife with Fibro and arthritis racks her 9mm Shield NO PROBLEM!! Much better round and a smaller gun than the .380 Shield.

I really cant see why anyone would get one of these in a .380 that is bigger physically than the 9mm. My 59yr old wife with Fibro and arthritis racks her 9mm Shield NO PROBLEM!! Much better round and a smaller gun than the .380 Shield.

Quite a number of reasons for S&W's new pistol are listed in the 139 posts before yours.

I really cant see why anyone would get one of these in a .380 that is bigger physically than the 9mm. My 59yr old wife with Fibro and arthritis racks her 9mm Shield NO PROBLEM!! Much better round and a smaller gun than the .380 Shield.

Yes, YOUR wife can, but others here have already stated that their wives/mothers/daughters/grandfathers/grandmothers cannot. You cannot dismiss this gun based on the sample of one at your address.

It looks huge! I was hoping it would be similar in size to the LCP 2. It would have been awesome if they would have made a mini Shield in 380.

The pictures make it look larger than it really is. Compared to a 9mm Shield it is about the same weight and a half inch longer. It looks like the grip is long enough to get all three fingers on so it is a little taller too. So it is still a compact and lightweight gun. Not nearly as small as an LCP but still small enough to carry.

I am not interested in this gun but it is aimed at a market that does not have a lot of other options. Those that want a really, really small 380 can buy one from Ruger, Kahr and other companies. People that need or want a handgun that is simple, does not require much physical strength to operate and has very mild recoil don't have a lot of choices. It is pretty much this gun or a revolver. I think revolvers are still a good choice but the same people that have trouble racking the slide of a 9mm often have a lot of trouble with the DA trigger pull of a revolver and could shoot the EZ better. It will be less expensive than a revolver as well. If I live long enough to need a gun like this I would probably choose a revolver but would at least consider the EZ.

Not for me but I can see it for a specific demographic. I teach CPL classes & have seen more & more women & older folks who are total newbies wanting to carry. Heck I might even buy one to show in a cpl class if S&Wwould offer an NRA instructor discount.

My wife currently carries a 5 shot snub-nosed .38 revolver. She shoots it reasonably well considering it's long heavy trigger pull, short sight radius and stout recoil... but she does not enjoy shooting it.

Unfortunately due to age and arthritis she no longer has the hand strength to easily rack the slide or load the magazines of most of the current semi-autos on the market. The stated features of this pistol address these issues and should prove easier to shoot accurately. The EZ also offers greater capacity as well as make for quicker reloads with a loaded second magazine. IMO the M&P EZ would be a viable alternative to a.38 revolver for her or anyone else with limited hand strength.

Quite a number of reasons for S&W's new pistol are listed in the 139 posts before yours.

Lets see how may they sell. If my wife with Fibro and Arthritis can rack a 9mm shiled just fine the group that needs the easy racking must be pretty small. I wont carry a .380 nor will my wife and there is no reason to when you can carry a 9mm Shield that is smaller and more powerful. Just my opinion. its worth every penny you paid for it!